Roger Bloomingdale, 49, and Mirella Bloomingdale, 54, embarked on an exciting journey when they purchased an abandoned villa in Cupra Marittima, Italy, for €200,000 ($211,000). Originally from Amsterdam, they had long dreamed of a quieter, more relaxed life in Italy. When they stumbled upon the grand three-story villa, they knew they had found the perfect opportunity to transform a neglected property into something magnificent. What they didn’t expect was that this villa—left abandoned for over 25 years—held hidden treasures that would tell stories of its past.

As they began the overwhelming task of renovation, the couple faced daunting challenges. "Instead of painted ceilings, we found moldy walls," Roger remarked. The villa was overrun by lizards and birds, and they encountered plenty of mess—from empty wine bottles to old mattresses. Still, they were undeterred, driven by their passion to breathe life back into the old structure. Yet beneath the grime and disrepair, something incredible emerged. In a video, among the debris, they discovered a collection of love letters from the 1950s, wartime magazines, and hand-sewn baby clothes, each piece offering a glimpse into the villa's rich history.

These hidden treasures, while lacking financial value, held immense emotional worth. "We wondered why they were left behind," Roger mused. The love letters, yellowed with age, were poignant reminders of the people who once lived there, their stories woven into the fabric of the house. The Bloomingdales also uncovered old telegrams, handwritten journals, and classic novels, providing a deeper connection to the property than they could have ever imagined. "These were more than just objects; they were fragments of history, carefully preserved under layers of dust and decay." Each discovery added to the villa’s narrative, connecting Roger and Mirella to its rich past.


The couple’s dream is not only to restore the villa but to preserve its essence. "We want to give it the feeling it had originally," Roger said. Their vision includes five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a library, and even a pool house. However, the road ahead is not without challenges. Renovating a structure this old requires extensive work, particularly on the roof, and they estimate the project will take another $211,000 to complete.

Despite the hard work and expenses, Roger and Mirella are more excited than ever about their future in Italy. They’ve begun sharing their journey on social media, drawing in followers fascinated by the villa's transformation and the stories they’ve unearthed. “It's not just a renovation; it's a rediscovery of the past,” Mirella shared. Their adventure has become more than just a quest to renovate a home; it’s an exploration of history, filled with mystery and romance.
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Comments · 2
Guest 1730067649053
5 months agoI’m an old lady (95). Living in Huntington Beach, ca.
It must be wonderful to come across the articles and read about the past. Good luck, happy hunting.
Miriam